Located less than two hours east of Denver, Hot Sulphur Springs is tucked in a canyon that borders Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho National Forest. Jagged rocks rise above the Colorado River, providing a majestic backdrop for campers. Whether you are backpacking, car camping, or driving an RV, there are many places to camp around Hot Sulphur Springs. And at the end of the day, campers can unwind and soak in the natural mineral hot springs that flow right in town.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest Campgrounds
Hot Sulphur Springs is minutes to several sections of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. One of the closest sites is 15 miles away at Willow Creek Reservoir, a recently renovated campground and the only established campground near the reservoir. Tents are allowed as well as RVs, but there are no hookups and size is limited to less than 25 feet. At the reservoir, campers can enjoy fishing or watching the many wild animals visit the water’s edge. A fishing license from the Colorado Division of Wildlife is required.
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest requires a pass for camping and day use, and can be picked up at the Sulphur Ranger District Office in Granby. Most of their campgrounds are open from May to September; snow and freezing temperatures keep these closed in the wintertime. Campers are limited to one or two weeks, and there are some size limitations on guests and RVs. Campers should make reservations during the popular months of July and August.
Lake Granby Campgrounds
Lake Granby, perched on the border of the Arapaho National Forest, is 20 minutes west of Hot Sulphur Springs. There are several National Forest campgrounds and a couple of private campgrounds surrounding the lake. The private campgrounds are more expensive than National Forest Campgrounds, but have additional amenities including a marina and cabins available to rent. Water activities at the lake include boating, water skiing and fishing.
Dispersed Camping
Camping outside of designated campgrounds is called dispersed camping. It’s available in Rocky Mountain, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Parks. Hot Sulphur Springs is adjacent to the Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. Eight separate locations for backpacking are located in this district. “See Reference 2” From Grand Lake campers can hike the East Inlet Trailhead, North Inlet Trailhead, or Kawuneeche Trailhead to reach some of the many dispersed camping areas of the Rocky Mountain National Forest.
Winter Camping
For a unique camping experience, try camping during the snowy winter months. Rocky Mountain National Park allows winter camping, and sites near Hot Sulphur Springs can be found along the North Inlet Trailhead and East Inlet Trailhead. Campers can cross-country ski and snowshoe to their campsite. The western region of the park gets more powder than the eastern half, but the high mountain sun can keep hikers warm on the winter afternoon. For an extra treat, end your trip back at Hot Sulphur Springs for a winter soak in the hot mineral pools. Campers should be experienced and well prepared to take on a winter camping trip.
Hot Sulphur Springs Weather
Lying along the Colorado River in the Rocky Mountains, Hot Sulphur Springs enjoys four temperate seasons with temperatures on the cooler side. In the summer, the thermometers rarely get over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. With summer nights cooling down to the 50s, campers should pack sufficiently to stay warm at night. Winters stay well below freezing with averages between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and campers need to be well prepared to stay warm and dry.
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